Save Our Schools Castro Valley! has announced its third annual essay-writing contest in an effort to promote support for the school district either directly or through the SOSCV! organization.

The contest is for students from 4th through 12th grade to submit persuasive essays on one or more of four topics related to Castro Valley schools.

Winners will be chosen based on the quality of writing, the strength of the argument made, and the ability to persuade the reader of the importance of CV schools.

“We encourage all students to participate, and for teachers to use the writing assignment to complement their curriculum requirements,” said Steve Ontiveros of SOSCV.

The category topics are: 1.Why are school team sports programs important to you? 2.Why is the vocal and instrumental music program important to you? 3.A teacher, administrator, or team sport coach who has influenced you (team sport coaches only). 4.Why do you think it is important for local businesses and the community to support Castro Valley schools?

Each participant may enter only one essay per category, but may enter essays in as many categories as they wish. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 5 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for the best essays in each of the three grade level groups: Elementary School, Middle School, and High School. The top 5 scoring essays in each grade group will be published in a booklet and online with the authors’ pictures.

“The SOSCV writing contest is an excellent experience for our students who are able to apply the writing skills that they have learned in class in a real-life setting,” said School Superintendent Jim Negri.